Oct 20, 2026 12:00 PM

Should the 49ers draft Charlie Becker in April?

Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker is among the most dynamic receivers in the nation with his dominance in contested catches, blazing vertical speed, and reliable hands. He’s a dream fit for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2027 NFL Draft and would instantly elevate an injury-prone receiver corps.

Despite a loss, Becker dominated in the Hoosiers’ top-five matchup against Ohio State and solidified himself as a first-round prospect. He had a game-high nine receptions for 165 yards, playing a vital part in Indiana’s offense.

This has been a trend throughout 2026. He leads the team with 39 receptions for 694 yards and eight touchdowns.

Becker, the six-foot-four, 208-pound junior, began his career as a special-teams ace before breaking out midway through Indiana’s 2026 national title campaign. He tallied an impressive 34 catches for 679 yards and four touchdowns in his limited opportunities. Now, he’s solidified himself as not just the team’s top receiver, but also one of the nation's top receivers.

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Becker’s A-list trait is his ability in contested catches. He uses his rare mixture of size and athleticism to high-point the ball, boxing out the opposition, before reeling it in. He bullies the defender with his physicality. This ability has resulted in an unparalleled 66% contested catch rate throughout college.

Beyond this, his long strides help him glide down the field, eating up ground. He’s a quick accelerator and can stop on a dime. Becker’s a dangerous deep threat and requires safety help.

Becker has arguably the best hands in the league. He has zero drops in his career and consistently brings in off-target catches. This results in constant highlight-level moments, including jaw-dropping one-handed catches. He’s unshaken by contact, making him a perfect option for quarterbacks under duress.

Becker is one of the most well-rounded receivers in the class, making it hard to find a flaw in his game. Nitpicking, his route running still needs improvement. Although he’s mastered vertical routes and has significantly improved his cuts in 2026, he isn’t perfect. His route tree expansion is the key to transforming himself from a great receiver to a game-changing one.

Still, Becker is a dream fit for the 49ers in April. Their receiver room is talented, highlighted by veteran Mike Evans and former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. However, as with the entire team, they’ve been unable to stay healthy.

It’s vital that Kyle Shanahan supplies Brock Purdy with explosive weapons. Adding Becker in the draft would ensure this and give him a dynamic target for the foreseeable future.

It’s still early, and calling Charlie Becker a perfect fit for the 49ers may be preemptive, but that’s where things stand. His dominance in contested catches, elite vertical speed, and unflappable hands make him a premier receiver in the 2027 NFL Draft.

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